Little Knit Sweater

A light cardigan that’s perfect for summer – my Little Knit Sweater – is a free pattern here on the blog!

Read through my inspiration, design process, and lots of info on the perfect yarn I chose, or scroll on down for the free pattern.

The Inspiration + Design

Last summer’s Lil Denim Cardigan was a smash hit and for good reason! It was a bolero style mini cardigan with a shortened hem and no sleeves – 3 simple rectangles seamed with some edging. Easy peasy and so cute! I knew she needed a knitted cousin, and the plan started developing for the Little Knit Sweater.

Instead of a plain stockinette body I wanted to add a little interest with thinly ribbed rows of garter stitch. The design is subtle and pretty without adding lots of fussy lace or cablework. Although those techniques create stunning garments, I wanted this design to be as simple as possible while still offering enough interest both visually and as the knitter is working through the pattern.

The Yarn + Kit

This pattern would be super cute knit up in any color, but this Ivy color of Lion Brand’s Touch of Merino yarn is so stunning! It’s a cool tone green that’s rich and vibrant while still being earthy and a tad muted. The softness of this yarn is lovely and it’s got great stretch and drape for this type of project.

With an acrylic and merino wool blend, this yarn holds up great to washing and toddler messes (because unfortunately, everything I own gets covered in jam at some point). I highly recommend checking it out for an affordable alternative to more expensive merino wool options.

 

PATTERN

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DESCRIPTION

To sum it up: A sweet little summer sweater with easy rectangular construction and garter stitch ridges for visual interest and texture. This pattern is the perfect light cardigan to toss on over a sundress, swimsuit, or summer blouse.

Materials:

–Lion Brand Touch of Merino yarn (Weight 3/Light, 3.5 oz/100g, 257 yds/237m)

2 (3, 3, 3, 3, 4, 4) skeins in Ivy

Or 180 (210, 240, 270, 290, 330, 350)grams

Or 465 (540, 620, 700, 750, 850, 900) yds

–Size 7/4.5mm circular knitting needles with 20”+ cord

–Tapestry needle

–Stitch markers

Shop all of my favorite tools & materials HERE!

Gauge:

20 sts x 28 rows = 4″ in stockinette

Finished Measurements:

Bust: 34 (36, 40, 44, 48, 52, 56)”
Length: 18 (20, 20, 22, 22, 24, 24)”
Armhole: 7.5 (8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5)”

Pattern Notes:

-For reference, model is 5’5” tall, and wearing the Ivy Topper in a size Medium. Fit is oversized, for a more fitted topper size down.

-Sizing listed in the pattern will be in X-Small with Small, Medium, Large, Xl, 2X, and 3X listed in parenthesis such as 36 “(41, 46, 51, 56, 61, 66)” whereas co 36 for size XS, 41 for size S, 46 for size M, 51 for size L, 56 for size XL, 61 for size 2X and 66 for size 3X. When only one number is given, it applies to all sizes. To follow pattern more easily, circle/highlight all numbers pertaining to your size before beginning.

-This topper is worked in 3 pieces, one back panel and 2 front panels.

-All sizing is based on the CYC sizing regulations.

Little Knit Sweater

Back Panel

Co 60 (80, 100, 120, 140, 160, 180) sts

Rows 1 – 4: K all sts

Rows 5-16: Stockinette st (K all RS rows, P all WS rows)

Rpt Rows 1-16 until you’ve finished Row 128 (144, 144, 160, 160, 176, 176) or 8 (9, 9, 10, 10, 11, 11) total repeats.

Cast off all sts.

Front Panels
*make 2

Co 24 (32, 40, 48, 56, 64, 72) sts

Rows 1 – 4: K all sts

Rows 5-16: Stockinette st (K all RS rows, P all WS rows)

Rpt Rows 5-20 until you’ve finished Row 128 (144, 144, 160, 160, 176, 176) or 8 (9, 9, 10, 10, 11, 11) total repeats.

Cast off all sts

Seaming

*Note: I like to refer to this guide from Vogue Knitting for best practices when seaming.

Matching your front and back panels up with RS together, seam shoulders together.

Measure your armhole and place a stitch marker at the measurement (from the shoulder seam) for your size as follows: 7.5 (8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5)”

Seam with invisible vertical seam from bottom cast on edge along selvedge edge to stitch marker at underarm.

Weave all ends.

Neckline Edging

Pick up stitches around the collar working from the bottom left corner, up left panel, across 12 (16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36) cast off edges along the back panel, and down right front panel to right front corner.

Pick up approximately one stitch for every row of stockinette stitch and one row for every 2 rows of garter stitch.

Rows 1-3: K all sts

Cast off loosely with a purl bindoff.

Weave ends.

Sleeve Edging

Pick up stitches around the armhole working first at the underarm + side seam and evenly around the entire armhole in the same fashion as the neckline edging.

Rows 1-3: K all sts

Cast off loosely with a purl bindoff.

Weave ends.

Abbreviations:

co – cast on
k – knit
p – purl
rep – repeat
rs – right side
st(s) – stitch(es)
ws – wrong side

OTHER FREE KNITTING PATTERNS

1. Knit Betty Cardigan / 2. Plaid Baby Blanket Knitting Pattern / 3. My First Knit Holiday Sweater